Ignition device for internal combustion engines



June 27, 1939- R. P. LANSING Er AL IGNITION DEVICE FOR INTERNALCOIBUSTION ENGINES `2 shuts-sheet 1 Filed Jan. 25, 1932 au Sm Rn 0 Ta NLEP. V d m n 0 W a .F

Joseph I4. Allen NEY.

June 27, 1939. R. P. LANSING ET AL 2,153,843

IGNITION DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES Filed Jan. 25, 1932 2Sheets-sheet 2 I 127 I 1 l2 I I 35 I I I I I ZJ I 32 25 t I I /4 2/ IlINVNTOR` aymand ID. Lans/'ng Josep/7 W //en Panerai June 21, 1939 UNITEDSTATES PATENT OFFICE 2.1mm l IGNITION DEVICE FOB INTERNAL COMBUS- 'I'IONENGINES Application January z5, mz, sel-m No. 588,754

l Claims.

This invention relates to ignition devices for internal combustionengines and particularly to those of the type especially adapted for useon aviation engines. In many respects, however, the

f invention is applicable to internal combustion engines of all classesand designs, as will be obvious.

An object of the invention is to provide a novel and eiiicient ignitiondevice of the type in which a relatively low tension ignition current isbrought mi from an outside source and transformed into a high tensioncurrent by induction.

l Another object of the invention is to provide a device of greatadvantage for the purpose intended by reason of its concentration in aunitary 1l; and novel structure of a number of parts which, in formerignition systems, were separately housed.

A further object is to provide in an ignition system of the inductioncoil type, novel means w for mounting the timer, distributor, driveshaft, condensers, resistor elements and induction coils so as to form aunitary structure, the base of which supports all of said elements.

Another object is to provide a compact, eilicient, and easily adjustabledevice of the character indicated which not only involves novelty in theassembled organization, but has certain of its parts constructed alongnovel lines possessing inherent advantages in themselves as well as intheir mutual relationship.

Another object is to provide novel shielding means for an ignitiondevice of the foregoing character.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent frominspection of the following specification when read with reference tothe accompanying drawings, wherein is illustrated the preferredembodiment of the invention. It is to be expressly understood, however,that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only, and are notdesigned as a denition of the limits of the invention, reference beinghad to the appended claims for this purpose.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is" a sectional view of a device embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of the electrical phases of theinvention;

Fig. 3 is a view in elevation, with parts broken away. and in section,of the device shown in Fig. 1;

(Cl. 12S- 148) Referring to the drawings, the invention is shownembodied in three interlocking sections i8, Il and I2, the unit il beingin the shape of an irregular cylinder or bowl supported by the lowersection Il on which are formed bosses I2a centrally bored and threadedto receive attaching piris or screws by which the unit may be supportedon the frame of the associated engine. As shown, the interior section Ilis divided by a bearing i3 and shaft Il into two main chambers i6 andi1, the chamber i6 having an upwardly extending portion I8 supportingthe section I2 which houses the induction coils I8 and 2l, while thechamber i1 houses the mechanical driving connections for rotating theinterrupter and distributor. The condenser unit 2l and resistors 22 arepreferably contained in chamber Ii where they are supported on a bracket23 suspended from bosses 24 on the coil casing by suitable fasteningmeans 25. This bracket 23 also serves as a mounting plate for terminals22 and 33, the latter being coil terminals. This novel construction hasthe advantage of permitting removal of the coils, terminal plate,resistors and condensers as an assembled unit, such unit being removablethrough the opening in the extension I8 without in any way disturbingthe remainder of the mechanism. The bearing l2 is held against shoulder28 by the provision of a spacer sleeve 29, a second bearing I5, and aretainer cap 26; and the shaft Il is held properly meshed with gear 38on the interrupter shaft by the combined action of a shoulder 28 andring 38a.

From the foregoing it is apparent that the lower section Ii of theunitary structure constitutes not only the housing for the drivingconnections, resistors and condenser units, but also the supportingmeans for the coils I9 and 20, the interrupter mechanism, and thedistributor rotor 21, as weil as the distributor head 28. The latter,which is shown as carryinga plurality of distributor terminals 3|) and3l arranged in staggered relation in two concentric circular paths withthe same number of contacts in each path, is constructed of suitableinsulating material such as the usual phenolic condensation product, andis removably secured to the base 34 of the unit I8 with the aid of thenovel means now to be described.

As is well known to those conversant with the art, the high tensionalternating currents in an ignition system for internal combustionengines have an interfering inductive etlect on the electrical circuitsor adjacent electrical apparatus, which effect is particularlyobjectionable in the case of radio receiving or transmitting sets inaeropl'anes. In order to eliminate this inductive interference byshielding" the ignition system, that is, by completely enclosing allparts, including the leads, within an electrically continuous metalliccovering, grounded on the engine, and thus capture the inductive effectsand prevent their affecting adjacent electrical circuits, the presentinvention includes the provision of a twopart casing which, inconjunction with the casing surrounding the induction coils and thecontinuous metallic casing of the section I l completes the enclosure ofall parts of the mechanism.

As shown, such two-part casing comprises a cylindrical member 36 of theproper diameter to ilt snugly about the lower portion 31 of thedistributor cap, this cylinder member having formed on its innerperiphery a plurality of ears 39 adapted to rest on an externally formedledge on the distributor cap. At its upper edge the cylindrical shieldturns outwardly at four points (two of which are indicated in Fig. l andall of which are indicated in Fig. A3) to form, with the capped portion4I of the shield, points for entrance of the conductor carrying cablesof the system, two of such cables being indicated in Fig. 3. The cap 4Iis also provided with a downwardly extending rim 43 adapted to t snuglyaround the upper edge of the cylindricalportion 36 and thus provide acompletely shielded unit.

As above suggested by the description of the two concentric series ofdistributor terminals 30 and 3|, the'embodiment of the invention hereinillustrated is of the dual ignition type, wherein each cylinder of theengine is supplied with a pair of spark plugs adapted to receive a hightension current simultaneously, one of such currents being induced inthe secondary winding of the coil I6 and the other in the secondarywinding of the coil 20.

In order to produce this simultaneous generation of two distinct hightension currents, the invention provides an interrupter mechanism ofnovel construction in which a single rotating cam having the same numberof actuating cam edges as there are cylinders in the associated engine,is adapted to produce double that number of breaks in the primarycircuits during each revolution thereof, one half the number of breaksbeing effected in the primary winding of the coil I9 and the other halfin the primary winding of the coil 26. As shown, this result is obtainedby the -provision of two separate but preferably identical circuitbreaker assemblies as shown schematically in Fig. 2. In Fig. 1, only oneof these assemblies is shown; but it will be understood that theassociated assembly is of like construction and is disposed almostdiametrically opposite the assembly shown, and functions therewith tobreak the primary circuit of one of the induction units simultaneouslywith the breaking of the primary circuit of the other in.- duction unit.

Since in the embodiment shown there are assumed to be seven cylinders inthe associated engine, the interrupter cam 42 is shown as having theform of a regular heptagonal prism, with its seven faces constitutingdwells; but it will be obvious that the shape of the cam will be variedto correspond to the number of cylinders in any desired installation,and that the two breaker assemblies will be disposed relatively toeachother in such a manner as to be in contact simultaneously with thosesurfaces of the cam mechanism which are closest to diametricoppositiomas for example, the surfaces 44 and 45 as indicated in Fig. 2.The contacting portions or followers of each breaker assembly areconstructed of suitable insulating material, as indicated at 46 and 41in Figs. 1 and 2, said follower portions being suitably secured to therespective breaker arms and 40a, the latter being pivotally supported onpins and carrying intermediate their ends contact points 49 and 50adapted to be normally held in engagement with the associated contactarms 5l and 52 by the provision of suitable spring clips of the usualconstruction (not shown), the said springs being adapted to quicklyreturn the contacts to the closed position following each separationthereof, by the passage of one pair of approximately opposite camcorners out of contact with the associated followers 46 and 41.

In place of the usual fixed connection which has been used heretofore tohold the distributor in predetermined angular relationship to the enginedriven operating shaft, the present invention provides means permittingangular variation of the position of the distributor with respect tosuch shaft, thereby making it possible to set up the distributormechanism in proper relation to the valve and piston movements of theengine without the necessity of moving or changing the relative positionof any of the engine driven shafts or gears through which thedistributorreceives its motion. Heretofore the method employed has been to key orotherwise rigidly secure the distributor rotor against any angularmovement with respect to the distributor shaft, and then correct anyimproper alignment by changing the setting of the cam shaft of theengine or other shafts or gearing controlling the relative angularposition of the distributor and engine crankshaft.

In the present invention, the necessity of such adjustments of the otherparts of the engine is eliminated by the provision of a constructionwhich permits the person setting up `the distributor mechanism to turnthe cam 42; freely with respect to the operating shaft and thus set thecam in proper relation to the followers 46 and 41 as the associatedpiston reaches the firing point of the stroke. 'Ihe cam 42 is then heldiirmly wedged in position on the tapered portion 56 of the operatingshaft 55 by tightening the nut 51 and lock washer 56 on the threaded endof said shaft. It is not until this operation is completed that thedistributor rotor 21 is inserted in place, its angular relationship tothe cam 42 being determined by the registry of pin 60 with the verticalslot 6I of the distributor. In addition to the pin 60, an expanding ring63, engaging cooperating peripheral grooves in the cam 42, and thecollar 64 imbedded in member 21, is provided to insure a detachableaxial association of the distributor and cam as a unit.

In addition to the above described novel fea-'- ture associated with thedistributor rotor 21, it remains to be pointed out that the means forsimultaneously distributing separate high tension currents to theseparate sets of cylinder spark plugs involves further novelty in themannerof conducting these currents through the distributor and properlyinsulating them from each other. As shown, this is accomplished byproviding the upper wall 66 of the distributor cap 26 with a downwardlyextendingrim 61 of suiiicient thickness to receive at regularly spacedintervals the connector sockets 66 whichreceive the conductors leadingto one set of spark plugs emerging at the central point of the uppersur- 'with the second set of spark plugs.

face thereof as indicated at 12, where it is in constant engagement witha spring pressed contact pin 13 held in the lower recess 14 of thecentral socket 15, which receives the high tension lead from one of theinduction units, the corresponding lead from the other induction unitbeing received in the associated socket 16. The latter is likewiseprovided with a spring-pressed contact pin 11 held in constantengagement with an annular current conducting ring 19 which, like finger12, is moulded in the rotor 21. From this ring 19 extends a finger 88,integral there-v with and adapted to successively coact with theterminals 3|, which, as indicated, are arranged in a circular pathconcentric with the path of the terminals 38, but of smaller radius, thesaid pins 8| being received in the vsocket members 82 from which emergethe conductors connecting This arrangement of the distributor terminalsis not claimed per se, in this application, as it constitutes the soleinvention of Raymond P. Lansing and is claimed in his co-pendingapplication, Serial No. 2,106 iiled January 16, 1935.

Another novel feature of the invention resides in the method and meansfor producing a limited advance or retardation of the time of ignitionin the successive cylinders in relation to the position of the pistonstherein. For this purpose, there is provided in the flanged portion ofthe supporting casing Il, one or more arcuate slots 86 of suitablelength (Fig. 4) in which slot a pin 81 is movable by manipulation of alink 88 pivotally secured to an ear 89 formed upon the distributor base3|, the said base being provided with an opening of just suiiicient sizeto receive the pin 81, and the latter being normally held with its head88 in firm engagement with said base by provision of a compressionspring 9| engaging a collar 82 on the said pin. Since the base 3l isdetachably doweled to the distributor cap 28, as indicated at 94, inFigs. 1 and 4, it is evident that on actuation of the link 88, theangular position of the distributor cap, and hence the relation of theterminals 30 and 3| to the fingers 18 and 88, respectively, will bevaried (within the limits of the slots 86,) to advance or retard thespark. The usual latching members, one of which is indicated at in Fig.3, are preferably provided for readily removable attachment of thedistributor to the base 8l.

There is thus provided an ignition device involving novelty in themannerof combining and supporting a number of units of an ignitionsystem in a single compact structure possessing advantages in thesimplicity thereof, in the readiness with which the device can be set upand timed with the 'engine to which it is to be applied, in the easewith which the component parts may be removed, inspected and replaced,and in the simplicity of the means for advancing and retarding thespark.

While it is evident that the embodiment herein disclosed possessesconsiderable practical merit, it is of course understood that changesmay be made in the shape, construction, and

relative positioning of the parts, and in the use of certain of thenovel features without necessarily using the others. Reference isaccordingly to be had tothe appended claims for a deiinition of thelimits of the subject matter claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the class described, 'in combination, a drive shaft,an ignition distributor rotatable with said shaft, arelatively-stationary distributor head, and means supported by said headfor shielding all of said parts against inductive radiation, saidshielding means comprising a casing having a cap portion and a sleeveportion each provided with registering surfaces and each being aperturedat registering points to receive the cables by which ignition current isconducted to and from the distributor.

2. In a device of the class described, incombination, a drive shaft, anignition distributor rotatable with said shaft, a relatively stationarydistributor head, said head having a downwardly extending wallsurrounding said rotatable portion, and means supported by said wall forshielding all of said parts against inductive radiation, said shieldingmeans comprising a cap and body portions having registering openingsadapted to receive the cables leading to and from said distributor.

3. In a device of the class described, in combination, a drive shaft, anignition distributor rotatable with said shaft, a relatively stationarydistributor head, means supported by said head for shielding all of saidparts against inductive radiation, said shielding means comprising capand body portions having registering openings adapted to receive thecables leading to and from said distributor, and means for joining saidcap and body portions along a plane passing through the centers of eachof said openings.

4. In a d'evice of the class described, in combination, a drive shaft,an ignition distributor rotatable with said shaft, a relativelystationary distributor head, and means supported by said head forshielding all of said parts against inductive radiation, said shieldingmeans comprising cap and body portions having registering openingsadapted to receive the cables leading to and from said distributor andbeing further provided with registering surfaces disposed in a planepassing through the centers of said openings.

5. In a device of the class described, in combination, a drive shaft, anignition distributor rotatable with said shaft, a relatively stationarydistributor head, closure means for said distributor parts including capand body portions having registering openings adapted to receive thecables leading to and from said distributor, means for joining said capand body portions along a plane passing through the centers of each ofsaid openings, an induction coil electrically connected with saiddistributor parts, and a casing enclosing said induction coil, saidcasing having one end thereof disposed substantially'in said plane andthe other end adjacent the lower end of said body portion.

6. In a device of the class described, in combination, a drive shaft, anignition distributor rotatable with said shaft, a relatively stationarydistributor head, closure means for said distributor parts including capand body portions having registering openings adapted to receive thecables leading to and from said distributor, means for joining said capand body portions along a plane passing through the centers of each ofsaid openings, an induction coil disposed with its axis parallel to theaxis of rotation of said distributor, a housing enclosing and supportingsaid drive shaft, said housing having upper surfaces disposed insubstantially the same plane for supporting said coil and distributorparts.

7. In a device of the class described. a unitary structure including aninduction coil and a distributor, a conductor electrically connectingsaid coil and distributor, a housing including cap and body portionsenclosing said distribu tor, a housing for said coil disposed injuxtaposition with respect to said distributor housing and having oneend thereof terminating in a plane substantially coincident with theplane of intersection of said cap and body portions of the distributorhousing.

8. In a device of the class described, a unitary structure including aninduction coil and a distributor, a. conductor electricallyconnectingsaid coil and distributor, a housing including cap and bodyportions enclosing said distributor, a housing for said coil disposed injuxtaposition with respect to said distributor housing and having oneend thereof terminating in a plane substantially coincident with theplane of intersection of said cap and body portions of the distributorhousing, and means for ioining said cap and body portions along saidplane.

9. In a device of the class described, a unitary structure including aninduction coil and a distributor, a conductor electrically connectingsaid coil and distributor, a housing including cap and body portionsenclosing said distributor. a housing for said coil disposed injuxtaposition with respect to said distributor housing and having oneend thereof terminating in a plane substantially coincident with theplane o! intersection oi' said cap and body portions of the' distributorhousing, said cap and body portions having registering openings adaptedto receive said conductor.

.10. In a device of the class described, a unitary structure comprisinga plurality of inter; locking housings, two of which are disposed' in-juxtaposition to constitute closure means for an

